Wortham plan would ‘cram people in’ claim

Zach Ward

The living environment of a collection of homes would be ‘totally destroyed’ should planning permission be granted for new houses in Wortham, according to concerned residents.

Orwell Housing signalled their intention to lodge an application to build new homes on land behind Howards Close earlier this year, and held a consultation event in the Dolphin Inn pub in February.

Howards Close residents are against plans to build eight affordable units in their close. ANL-150508-143548009

The proposal, lodged with Mid Suffolk District Council in July, is for eight affordable housing units, including flats.

Concerned residents told the Diss Express in March they were fearful that their concerns for the development were “falling on deaf ears”. Residents feel

Members of all 12 households of the close have signed a petition opposing the number and types of dwellings proposed, which was sent to Wortham and Burgate Parish Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, and Orwell Housing.

Terence Drum, on behalf of the residents, told the Diss Express: “Our main concern is the amount of houses that they are trying to put on the land. This is a close. We don’t want it turned into an estate.

“I am sure that before any decisions are made on the application that there would be a frank and open meeting with all concerning parties.

“The residents love it here. It is a community here. This little close can only take in our opinion two more houses each side, similar houses to what we have got. To start building from my back garden which is about 20 feet to the trees and putting properties there, it is disgusting. It is cramming people in.

“I still cannot understand why they have not consulted us on our views.”

Mr Drum added further worries over the plan included parking and drainage.

It is claimed initial tenants at the Howards Close homes, built in 2010, were told a further four properties would be built — which Mr Drum said they would have no problem with — although this has been denied by an Orwell Housing spokesperson.

In planning documents to Mid Suffolk District Council from Brown and Scarlett Architects, acting on behalf of Orwell Housing, it is said the development would “not result in any loss of amenity for the neighbouring properties”, and “marries up well with the existing scheme”.